Coastal erosion closes Whitehill Road

Whitehill Road on the brink.

Beach erosion caused by high tides and strong swells over the weekend have undermined Whitehill Road in Drummond Cove and forced its closure till further notice.

The Drummond Cove coastline from Drummond Point through to the City’s northern boundary with the Shire of Chapman Valley has been suffering the effects of an increased rate of erosion in the past years.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said the City has been working with the Drummond Cove Progress Association regarding beach erosion and the impact it’s having on the road.

“Staff have discussed temporary options for Whitehill Road with the Drummond Cove Progress Association which include realigning the road, diverting the traffic or not renewing the road,” he said.

“Although there are a number of options available from letting the area erode naturally through to installing protective measures such as rock sea walls they all come with varying price tags with the cost of protection estimated at $1.5 million.

The Department of Planning has advised the City that undertaking protection works along Whitehill Road could pre-emt the outcomes of Geraldton wide coastal adaptation planning.

“The City has applied for grant funding to undertake coastal adaptation planning which involves a holistic approach that considers the entire urbanised coastline,” said Mr Diehm.

“Without seeing the bigger picture and understanding that erosion is affecting the entire coastline, it’s difficult to make decisions about what could be done.

“The Department of Planning has advised that we wait until the final coastal inundation study for the area between Cape Burney and Grey’s Beach is complete before we begin engaging with the community to develop a Geraldton wide adaptation plan.

“Until then, a temporary adaptation solution for Whitehill Road must be found and in the coming weeks the City will be holding a workshop in Drummond Cove to discuss the temporary options with the community,” Mr Diehm said.

Whitehill Road will remain closed until Council determines its preferred temporary adaptation measure which will be informed by the community consultation.

Ian Blayney requests Ministerial Assistance for Drummond Cove Erosion

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has approached Transport Minister Dean Nalder to request assistance to repair White Hill Road, Drummond Cove. 

“I approached Minister Nalder’s office yesterday and provided him with photos showing the extent of the erosion and damage to White Hill Road, which has now been closed. 

“I have informed him that State assets are also being threatened, as there is important sewerage infrastructurenearby. There is an urgent need to address the issue. 

“I will provide whatever assistance I can to help the City of Greater Geraldton repair the damage. 

“I think establishing a fund through Royalties for Regions, to help mitigate beach erosion in regional communities, would be an excellent project going forward, and I hope some consideration will be given to it,” said Mr Blayney.

Community Chest funding for Mid-West region

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed today’s announcement that John Willcock College and Geraldton Senior College have together received $18,000 to facilitate neurology and education professional learning workshops, to be delivered by an international expert in neurology of learning, Dr Judy Willis through Community Chest funding .

 The fund supports region-specific priorities that are driven by local communities to assist the development of infrastructure, services and community projects that help build vibrant regions with strong economies.

 WA's nine regional development commissions oversee the projects, each being allocated an equal share from which to provide the Community Chest Fund grants.

 The State Government, through the Royalties for Regions program, has invested $10 million into the fund over four years.

Support for new Geraldton community complex

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has congratulated Sun City Christian Centre on its commitment to Geraldton and the Midwest community following the opening of its new Centre.

“I have worked closely with the Sun City Christian Centre since I was elected in 2008 and I am delighted that their vision has become reality.

“They actively participate in the community, tackling areas of greatest need -never backing away from the complex challenges created by domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, personal financial problems and disadvantage.

“They help people in need,” said Mr Blayney.

The Center and Sun City Care complex, a $4.1 million project supported by Lotterywest and the State Government's Royalties for Regions program.

Spreading the magic of science

Members of Scinapse - Emma Jackson, Andrew Outhwaite, John Gourley, Ken Lawson and Mark Canny.

The Mid West’s network of science lovers has revamped its name and released an exciting new events calendar aimed at spreading the magic of science.

The former Mid West Science Engagement Group (MWSEG) is now called Scinapse, and has unveiled a host of exciting new initiatives aimed at enabling everyday people to become swept in science’s wonders.

Scinapse committee chair Emma Jackson said the group was fired up about sharing its upcoming events, which range from a short film making workshop and stargazing to understanding the wonders of brain development.

“Scinapse is all out sharing our passion for science and engaging the community in fun and exciting events that demonstrate the amazing possibilities of science," Ms Jackson said.

“We cover everything from making mesmerising science films, like we will as part of the Sci Film competition, to realising the magic of astronomy as you gaze at the heavens like we will at the ‘Fireballs in the Sky’ event at Mt Magnet Astro Rocks Festival.

“We’ve a host of events coming up that will prove anyone of any age can become swept up in the magic of science.”

Next on the agenda is a short film making workshop in Geraldton on April 30, which will school people in the art of film-making in the lead up to the Sci Film competition.

Participants will learn how to make and edit a film on mobile devices, techniques for making films for a theatre screen, how to communicate a science story through film, the best free film editing apps and online resources for use after the workshop.

They can then create and submit three-minute films featuring science stories, with winners to be showcased on the cinema screens.

This will be followed by the Fireballs in the Sky Event at Mt Magnet Astro Rocks Festival on May 13, understanding the wonders of neurology and brain development event on June 2-3 and Goodness Festival and National Science Week activities on August 14-21.

As MWSEG, the group has already conducted a raft of activities, including crystal workshops, science films about bees, considering a productive farming future, upskilling kids in computing coding through CoderDojo and hosting the Science Festival Community Night.

Keep up to speed on Scinapse events and find membership forms on Facebook, or through Pollinators website http://pollinators.org.au/science/.

And, if you have an upcoming science event, please contact Scinapse for help in promoting it. Contact 0438 925 058.

Scinapse is a partnership with Scitech, Inspiring Australia and local science engagement organisations. 

Sand bypassing to slow erosion of St Georges Beach

Erosion of St Georges Beach.

Further erosion of St Georges Beach caused by recent storms has prompted the decision to begin sand bypassing to stabilise the area.

Mid West Ports Authority will undertake sand bypassing of St Georges Beach as part of the Northern Beaches Stabilisation Program which involves sand bypassing to the Beresford Foreshore. Approximately 3000m3 of sand will be carted to St Georges Beach between Monday 16 May and Friday 27 May, 2016.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said erosion of the popular beach wasn’t a problem in the past but needs to be addressed as community assets are now at risk of falling into the ocean.

“Up until a couple of years ago St George’s Beach was much wider and erosion wasn’t a concern but that’s changed in the past two years and beach erosion has reached a point where infrastructure such as the carpark, trees and the toilet block are now at risk,” he said.

Although sand bypassing provides a temporary solution to the erosion, the City will be engaging with the community to develop a long term solution for the area.

“Beach erosion resulting in the loss of infrastructure and amenities is a real concern for the City and plans will need to be put in place to help us adapt to our changing coastline,” Mr Diehm said.

“The City has already started the process of coastal adaptation planning by conducting inundation studies for the coastline stretching from Point Moore to Drummond Cove.

“We still have one more study to complete for the area from Cape Burney to Grey’s Beach and once this is done we can begin working with the community to develop adaptation plans for the entire urbanised coastline of Geraldton.”

Members of the community interested in learning more about coastal adaptation planning are invited to attend a forum on the topic on Thursday 5 May 2016 from 5.00-7.30pm at the QEII Centre. The forum is being delivered in partnership with NACC, Mid West Ports Authority and the City of Greater Geraldton.  To register to attend contact Sarah Taylor on 9938 0120.

Coastal protection works vandalised

In an act of senseless vandalism over the weekend sand trapping fences recently put in place to protect Separation Point from coastal erosion have been destroyed.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm said the destruction of fencing has left him disappointed and frustrated and shows disrespect for the time and money the City spends trying to protect beaches.

“I am extremely disappointed that some idiot has intentionally driven through the fences,” he said.

“The destruction of these fences is absolutely unacceptable and it’s frustrating to see ratepayers money wasted in this way.

“Even though the sand fencing was intentional set away from where vehicles travel along the beach the fact that someone purposely drove through 66 Jarrah posts holding 200m of coir meshing fencing shows a real lack of respect for the time and money the City invests to protect our beaches from erosion.”

Installation of the environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional metal star pickets and orange plastic fencing used to trap sand was completed on 8 April 2016. 

“Both the City and the community prefers the use of natural materials to provide a soft engineering solution to coastal erosion by trapping sand to act as a buffer to wave action, however if the community can’t help us keep these soft measures in place we may find ourselves having to use hard infrastructure that comes at a much higher cost,” said Mr Diehm.

“Nobody wants to see hard infrastructure on the beaches but at least it won’t be so easily destroyed.

The City of Greater Geraldton is one of the few Cities in WA where vehicle access to the coast is still possible.

“I find it very disheartening that someone has abused the privilege of vehicle access to the beach and wasted more than $5300 of ratepayers’ money in the process.

“Should the destruction of coastal protection works continue, the City may recommend to Council that vehicle access to the beach be reconsidered,” he said.

The City will endeavour to replace the fencing as soon as possible.

New lease of life for club equipment

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney is inviting local sport and recreation clubs to revitalise existing gear or purchase new sporting equipment with the opening of the latest round of the Community Sporting Club Equipment Subsidy Scheme. 

The subsidy, which started in December 2013, encourages regional and metropolitan sporting clubs across Western Australia to apply for a $500 grant to spend on equipment accessible to all club members. Previously a one-off payment, applicants are now able to re-apply. 

To date, 890 regional clubs had received$445,000, and 719 metropolitan clubs had received $359,000, for new equipment.    

The $500 subsidies can be spent on equipment such as balls, bats, racquets, bibs, protective gear, team uniforms, First Aid kits, shade tents and safety gear. 

The subsidy will help clubs provide the equipment they required to keep pace with the growing population in regional WA.  

Sporting equipment is expensive and this investment provides support for regional residents to remain active. 

Administered by the Department of Sport and Recreation, the four-year scheme will deliver $1 million to metropolitan clubs and $1 million to regional clubs.

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For more information and to apply, visit http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/club-equipment

The subsidy is part of the Supporting Community Sport Initiative which also comprises the Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme: http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au/funding/individuals/athlete-travel-subsidy-scheme

For more information on Royalties for Regions projects, visit Bigger Picture-Regions

$1.75 million from Royalties for Regions to support young athlete travel

The latest round of the Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme is now open, supporting young regional sports stars to travel and attend sporting events and training opportunities across WA and nation-wide.

Nationals WA Member of Parliament Paul Brown MP said the program was helping to take the burden off regional athletes and their families and allowed them to concentrate on their sport.

“Talented athletes aged 13 to 21 are being supported in their quest to be the best when attending regional, state and national level training and events, thanks to the Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme and Royalties for Regions,” Mr Brown said.

“Grants are available from $150 up to $1,000 depending on the level of event and the distance required for travel, and the funding can be used to help support any out-of-pocket travel and accommodation costs.”

Since the program started, 887 regional athletes have benefited from $624,106 in funding assistance from the Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme and Royalties for Regions.

Mr Brown said the initiative was supporting the next generation of WA’s sports stars.

“Regional WA is home for many of Australia’s sporting greats, including Brownlow medalist Nat Fyfe and former Hockeyroos captain and Olympic champion Rechelle Hawkes.

“It’s important for Royalties for Regions to support this investment into our young athletes to help them reach their full potential on the field, in the pool, on horseback, in the surf or wherever their chosen sport takes them.”

Minister for Sport and Recreation, Mia Davies MLA, said a total of $1.75 million from Royalties for Regions was earmarked to support the Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme over four years.

“Promising young Western Australian athletes face unique challenges, with the distances they have to travel to compete and increase their skills and abilities being significantly larger than other states,” Ms Davies said.

Application for the Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme close on May 13. For more information and application guidelines visit www.dsr.wa.gov.au/funding 

Big Sky Readers & Writers Festival brings national talent to local venues

The Big Sky Readers & Writers Festival returns to Geraldton next month and the program should excite lovers of reading, art, photography, poetry, humour and storytelling.

The 20 to 22 May Festival is headlined by much-loved Aussie actor and now author Steve Bisley, who will provide the keynote address based on his memoir Stillways, feature in an intimate three-course dinner at Salt Dish Café, a Literary Lunch amongst the olive trees of Bentwood Olive Grove, and a Q&A with other featured authors with the lively subject: Australia is a lucky country, run mainly by second-rate people who share its luck (with credit to Donald Horne).

The Big Sky Readers & Writers Festival, now in its 11th year, will comprise more than 22 events over three days with additional highlights including Poetry in the Pub at the Bootenal Family Tavern (with a free shuttle bus from the Library), and The Great Debate at Geraldton Universities Centre.

There will be captivating discussions, debates, masterclasses and presentations on a range of styles and genres, with something to excite the literature lover in everyone, providing the opportunity for guest to get up close and personal with writers throughout the weekend.

Other visiting talent includes:

• Australian Illustrator Kyle Hughes-Odgers
• Award-winning novelist Rod Jones
• Photographer Daniel Craig
• Rural romance writer Loretta Hill
• Non fiction writers Grantlee Kieza and Rosemary Sayer
• Short story writer Susan Midalia
• Poet and musician Kevin Gillim
• Young adult writer Lara Morgan

There are many events free to attend, and ticketed events are priced from $42 to $100.

To find out more about the Big Sky Readers & Writers Festival please visit: http://library.cgg.wa.gov.au/big-sky-2016.aspx. A full program will be available online shortly.

To reserve tickets phone (08) 9956 6659 or email library@cgg.wa.gov.au. 

The Festival is made possible thanks to support from City of Greater Geraldton, Lotterywest, writingWA, Friends of the Geraldton Library, Geraldton Universities Centre, Ray White Geraldton, Eastman Poletti Sherwood Architects, Incite Security, Coop Bookshop Edith Cowan University Mt Lawley, Zeewyk Pearl Apartments, Ocean Centre Hotel, Water Corporation, Department of Fisheries and WA Museum Geraldton.

The Festival is supported by the Department of Culture and the Arts.

Social Enterprise Bar Earns Cash and Enlivens Laneway

Pollinators’ first social enterprise bar earned cash to help the non-profit social enterprise support community innovation.

Pollinators’ first ever social enterprise bar has raked in the cash to support social innovation and enlivened the City Hive laneway with colour, laughter and sound.

Held as part of the ‘The Night Before’ celebrations, on Friday April 8, before Triple J’s One Night Stand, the bar earned over $3,500, which will go towards development of Pollinator’s new Creative Hub, opposite Pollinator’s City Hive laneway on Marine Terrace.

Pollinators space lead Angie West said the bar was Pollinators’ first attempt at raising money through drink sales.

She said it was not only a great success in terms of revenue raising, but also made for an excellent night out and fostered a sense of great community, with more than 500 people accessing the laneway next to Pollinators to visit the bar, enjoy street food from the Burnt Barrel, Jaffle Shack and Fleur Tea Rooms, and listen to music.

“It was a great way to enliven our city streets and show off how much Geraldton has to offer to the many people who came to town for the One Night Stand,” Ms West said.

“It started as a real family friendly affair – with kids dancing to the music in their own little mosh pit and having their faces painted. Then, as the evening progressed, we attracted a more adult crowd with this really great vibe and supportive atmosphere.”

The bar was staffed by Pollinators board members and Pollinators members, who volunteered their time.

Pollinators’ first social enterprise bar earned cash to help the non-profit social enterprise support community innovation.

Given the success of the venture, Ms West said Pollinators planned to conduct similar fundraisers in conjunction with other major events in Geraldton.

She said such ventures raised vital funds to enable Pollinators to continue its mission of supporting healthy resilient communities by offering meeting spaces to community groups for free.

Last year alone Pollinators offered many hours of meeting space to Mid West community groups free of charge.

For more information on accessing Pollinators’ co-working and meeting spaces please contact Angie West on 0427381583

The Pollinators Social Enterprise Bar was sponsored thanks to politicians Paul Brown, Ian Blayney and Lara Dalton.  

Mullewa Youth Centre to become crowning jewel of town

Ian Blayney MLA, City of Greater Geraldton Manager Community and Cultural Development Polly Banks, City Coordinator of Youth Development Jesse Steele, Deputy Mayor Neil McIlwaine and Shane Love MLA.

The Mullewa Youth Centre Precinct project will receive a big boost after securing a total of $176,709 in Lotterywest funding.

This grant will go hand-in-hand with the $150,000 that is already set aside for the project as part of the City of Greater Geraldton’s 2015/16 budget.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said that the Mullewa Youth Centre had been identified as a key facility that needed revitalisation.

“The Mullewa Youth Centre plays a crucial role in the community by providing a drop-in centre as well as offering recreational activities for young people in Mullewa and the surrounding areas,” he said. 

“Being granted these additional funds ensures that the City can refurbish the facilities and turn it into a crowning jewel of the town.”

Works that were already planned include upgrades to internal and external walls, the roof and gutters, and the existing toilet. New flooring, air conditioning, kitchen cabinets, doors, windows and security screens will also be installed.

The Lotterywest funding allows for upgrades to the current skate park, BBQ area, additional seating, fencing, mini-football goals and an upgrade to the basketball court.

Refurbishment of the Mullewa Youth Centre was identified as the number one priority for Mullewa by the 10 Year Capital Works Plan Community Panel in 2013.

Last year the Mullewa Youth Centre precinct was accessed more than 6,200 times after school or on Saturdays by young people from Mullewa as well as the surrounding areas of Yalgoo and Pia Wadjari.

The refurbishment project is scheduled to be completed by the end of June.

Check-ups closer to home

Child Health Nurse Kristy Ryan and her son Vagus Ryan.

Most parents would know that when you first have a child, you are welcomed and encouraged to visit the Community Health Centre for regular check-ups on your baby’s health and development with the Child Health Nurse.  What you might not know is that these check-ups can continue throughout the child’s early years – until school entry, and can also be a great place to discuss your own wellbeing and development as a parent. 

Visits to the Child Health Nurse are free for all families and available by simply making a booking on 9956 1985.  If getting into the Community Health Centre in Shenton Street or Spalding is difficult for families, there is also the option of visiting the Child Health Nurse while they are onsite at the Child and Parent Centre – Rangeway, on Hovea Street in Rangeway.  There is a nurse onsite at the centre every Thursday during school terms, from 9am to 3.30pm. If you would like to attend your appointment there, simply advise staff when making your booking. Sometimes there are even appointments available for ‘drop-ins’ on the day.

The Child and Parent Centre - Rangeway is a Department of Education, State funded initiative operated by the Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre.  The centre offers a huge range of free activities, programs and services for children aged 0 to 8 years and their families, on top of the Child Health Nurse visits. You can visit them anytime during the week on Hovea Street in Rangeway, between 8am and 5pm. More information can be found at www.edcentre.wa.edu.au/events or by calling 9921 6814 or emailing cpc@edcentre.wa.edu.au

Hadda Park playground reopens

The City of Greater Geraldton is pleased to announce the reopening of Hadda Park playground at Mahomets Beach on Tuesday 19 April 2016.

Hadda Park is the last of six parks Council resolved to install new playground equipment in this financial year.

Rundle Park playground reopens

The City of Greater Geraldton is pleased to announce the reopening of Rundle Park playground on 18 April 2016.

Rundle Park is the fifth of six parks Council resolved to install new playground equipment in this financial year.

Gratte Cup 2016

A strong field entered the Gratte Cup competition for 2016. It is an annual non-handicap event where a pool of low handicap players are paired with progressive partners of higher handicap and usually results in a good tight finish. This year was no exception. The tournament was ably managed by Golf Croquet Captain Anne Bunter and a field of 16 players competed for the cup.

Photograph by Maureen Nanson

This year the cup was won by Glenys Ryan pictured at left, below. The runner up was Maureen Edwards at right. Golf captain Ann Bunter is standing in the centre.

Second runner up was Paul Christmass and Ken and Jenny Morris were equal fourth. A good day of stiff competition was enjoyed by all.

Photograph by Maureen Nanson

The Gratte Cup was donated by the late Ethel Gratte as an Association Croquet Cup many years ago. It was replaced with a new Gratte Cup suppporting a golf croquet competition in the current format by her son, Stan Gratte OAM, a Geraldton identity.

Bittersweet day as Gordon Gray retires

“I’m going to catch one this big,” says Gordon Gray as he celebrates his retirement as Bundiyarra’s Environmental Health Coordinator with Bundiyarra Board Chair, Ross Oakley, CEO Marchelle Retallack, and Darren West, Labor Member for the Agricultural Region.

It was an emotional day on 31 March when after 13 years as Coordinator of the Bundiyarra Environmental Health Team, well-known Geraldton identity, Gordon Gray, hung up his hat to go fishing – or as he said: “Open the gate to the long yard”.

More than 50 people farewelled the popular Aboriginal issues advocate at Bundiyarra with some heart-felt words of thanks from Bundiyarra and other colleagues.

Gordon started at Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation (BACAC) in 2003 as a project planning officer, continuing a life of hard work devoted to the Aboriginal community.

A clearly emotional Gordon said: “I just want to thank you all for being a large part of my life for a long time. It has simply been a pleasure to work with you.

“My intention right now is take a break for a while and see what comes out of that.”

Gordon began his working life where he was born and bred - in Jerramungup in the South East of WA.

He built up his extensive experience working with regional communities after a decade of working around the Murchison on a shearing team. At one time he was the only field staff member to have serviced every community in the Kalgoorlie Regional Office area including places as far flung as Esperance, Kiwirrkurra and Tjuntjuntjarra.

Gordon spent more than 15 years at the [now defunct] Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC); and has also worked at Durack Institute of Technology as a training officer.

Gordon Gray brought a wealth of expertise, practical experience and life skills to the role of Coordinator Environmental Health at Bundiyarra and has been a mentor to many.

He has sat – and still sits – on many Aboriginal boards and committees; he’s Chairperson of the Midwest Aboriginal Organisation Alliance (MAOA), Deputy Chair of Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS); is on the committee of the Aboriginal Education, Employment and Training Committee (AEETC) through Durack Institute of Technology; and enjoys a second term on the WA Aboriginal Advisory Council.

“‘Retirement’ will free me up to devote more time to other projects particularly (MAOA),” he said.

“I’m going to take a break for a while; but I’ll still be around and busy.”

BACAC Board Chairperson, Ross Oakley, said Gordon will be sorely missed at Bundiyarra, and thanked him for his long commitment to the corporation.

“In May this year, Bundiyarra will have been operating at this address for 18 years, of this time, Gordon has been here for 13. His contribution has helped shape the range of programs and services offered.

“He will be greatly missed,” he said.

Bundiyarra CEO, Marchelle Retallack, expressed her sadness at Gordon’s departure but said she was very pleased he is off to enjoy retirement.

“I have never had the opportunity before to work alongside a man like Gordon. He is very humble in his approach, and has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and embraced sharing Aboriginal culture.

“Gordon has become a huge part of my personal and profession life and I will miss him dearly,” Marchelle said.

Local community groups reap rewards from One Night Stand

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ken Diehm, headspace Manager Nick Duigan, headspace Youth Reference Group member Katrina Slater and Mayor Shane Van Styn.

A staggering $21,000 has been donated to headspace Geraldton in the aftermath of triple j’s One Night Stand event.

headspace was the chosen charity to receive the gold coin donation entry for the day which saw near 15,000 concert goers through the gate.

headspace Geraldton Manager Nick Duigan extended sincere thanks to the Geraldton community.

“$21,000 is way in excess of our best hopes for the day. It speaks to the kindness and generosity of the locals here, and also their commitment to support young people in need,” he said.

“The projects this money will enable an artwork project for community collaboration, partnership and belonging.”

Other community groups that were directly impacted from One Night Stand included Little Athletics, Geraldton Tiger Sharks Rugby Club and the Sin City Rollers as hosts for tent cities. And other local organisations and sporting groups also made profits with stalls on the day.

Little Athletics had over 400 people at their tent city which equated to more than $20,000 in funds towards to local sporting group.

Little Athletics Secretary Marika Grosvenor praised the City of Greater Geraldton for what was a very successful event.

“The financial contribution to our club due to One Night Stand is just huge and we will be putting it towards some much needed upgrades,” she said.

“We would like to extend our thanks to the City for their assistance in helping us get on board.”

The funds will be put towards upgrades including disability access, tiered seating and upgrades to their canteen.

Sin City Rollers raised nearly $1,500 and Geraldton Tiger Sharks Rugby Club made close to $3,500.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said support from local community groups were very much needed and he thanked them for their important role in triple j’s One Night Stand.

“Without our local community organisations coming on board we would have been without accommodation for people to stay so a big shout out to those groups who put in the time and effort for such a big exercise, we know it doesn’t happen easily,” he said.

“It’s so amazing to see how much our community came together for this event and it gives us great hope and confidence that we could bring another event like this one to Geraldton in the future.”

One Night Stand has positive financial impact on local economys

It was the biggest event Geraldton has ever had and it was no surprise that the financial injection into the community was huge.

It has been projected that over $1.5 million was injected into our local economy, and local business and community groups have praised the event for the amazing financial benefits.

Nearly 15,000 patrons attended triple j’s One Night Stand at Wonthella Oval on Saturday with visitors from all across the state and some even made the trip cross country for the concert which included big name artists Boy & Bear, Alison Wonderland and Urthboy, plus a swag of special guests.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said with an event of such a high calibre it was always expected to bring in thousands of visitors to our city and many local businesses were prepared for the influx.

“The injection of money into the community really was phenomenal with excess of $1.5 million,” he said.

“Not only were the financial benefit huge but this event put Geraldton on the map as a possible future stop for big names.

“The event was run so smoothly and we anticipate we can get more big names here in the Mid West in the future.”

Driving through Geraldton’s CBD on Saturday and Sunday morning was a sight to see with people lining our streets, filling busy local cafes and just generally taking the in the sites of our City.

Geraldton Visitor Centre Coordinator of Tourism and Visitor Information Centre Rebecca Tuesley said numbers through the Centre over the weekend had most definitely increased with the number of visitors to the City.

Local restaurant Salt Dish were inundated over the weekend and even had visits from most of the artists.

Owner Natasha Sellei said One Night Stand provided a welcome boost for small local retail and hospitality businesses.

“It would be great to have future events like One Night Stand because it gives regional places like Geraldton a chance to not only showcase our City but showcase quality dining and shopping experiences,” she said.

“We were so busy over the weekend and it was just such a great opportunity for Geraldton.”

Good timing saw the Geraldton Cup fall on Sunday which also reaped the benefits from One Night Stand.

Geraldton Turf Club Manager Dave Wrensted said numbers at the Geraldton Cup were the best they had seen in over five years.

“We most definitely benefited from One Night stand and we can confidently confirm that there was definitely a strong overflow of people from One Night Stand to the Geraldton Cup on Sunday,” he said.

“We must commend the Council and all those involved in putting on a great, it was very well done and a great thing for our community.”

A majority of local accommodation outlets also reached capacity with rooms and tent sites booked out within days of the event announcement.

“All in all, we couldn’t have asked for a better outcome for our community,” Mayor Van Styn said.

“We are dedicated to bringing new and exciting entertainment to our community and things that will help enhance our local economy.”

Free Parenting Support

Free parenting support is on its way to town.  Dr Tonia Fahey of the Department of Education brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and practical tips to the free Triple P seminars hitting Geraldton later this month. These sessions are perfect for all parents, carers, early childhood educators and service providers; if you have been before, then come again – the content is fresh, new, relevant and practical.  The sessions are short - only two hours long - providing an intensive, valuable insight into each topic.

In the first week of Term 2 the Child and Parent Centre - Rangeway have three amazing Triple P seminars running, twice each (one morning and one evening) for parents, carers, early childhood educators and service providers. The sessions are perfect as professional development for service providers, for any parent who is struggling, and for those working with children on behaviour management plans to introduce wrap around support. 

All sessions are free, and include crèche facilities – but booking are essential.

• The power of positive parenting – Tuesday 26 April: 9am to 11am OR 5.30pm to 7.30pm
• Building confident, competent children - Wednesday 27 April: 9am to 11am OR 5.30pm to 7.30pm
• Raising resilient children – Thursday 28 April: 9am to 11am OR 5.30pm to 7.30pm

“Dr Fahey is an outstanding presenter and after just one visit to town, she has got people raving and wanting more.” says Jennifer Edwards, Coordinator of the Child and Parent Centre – Rangeway. “We need to make sure that these sessions are well attended so that we can keep her, the Triple P services and sessions (running) regularly in Geraldton for our community.”

Dr Fahey will be back later in Term 2, to deliver the second set of seminars in the Triple P series; Dealing with disobedience, 0 to 4s emotional development and Managing fighting and aggression where parents and carers get even further into the nitty gritty of the world of caring for children.

More information can be found at www.edcentre.wa.edu.au/events or bookings can be made by phoning 9921 6814 or emailing cpc@edcentre.wa.edu.au

The Child and Parent Centre - Rangeway is a Department of Education, State funded initiative operated by the Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre. The centre offers a huge range of free activities, programs and services for children aged 0 to 8 and their families. You can visit them anytime during the week on Hovea Street in Rangeway, between 8am and 5pm.